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Exodus 40:32 - Purification before divine service

Exodus 40:32 - שמות 40:32

Hebrew Text

בְּבֹאָם אֶל־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וּבְקָרְבָתָם אֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ יִרְחָצוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

when they went into the Tent of Meeting, and when they came near to the altar, they washed; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

B'voam el-ohel moed uv'korvatam el-hamizbeach yirchatzu ka'asher tziva Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

בְּבֹאָ֞ם אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֗ד וּבְקׇרְבָתָ֛ם אֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ יִרְחָ֑צוּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
בְּבֹאָ֞ם אֶל־אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֗ד וּבְקׇרְבָתָ֛ם אֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ יִרְחָ֑צוּ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Washing Hands and Feet

The verse (Shemot 30:20) describes the obligation for the Kohanim to wash their hands and feet before entering the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) or approaching the Mizbe'ach (Altar). This mitzvah is derived from Hashem's command to Moshe Rabbeinu and is an essential preparation for divine service.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (ad loc.) explains that this washing was done using the Kiyor (laver), a copper basin filled with water placed between the Ohel Moed and the Mizbe'ach. The Kohanim were required to wash both their hands and feet each time they approached for service, as neglecting this would render their service invalid and subject to the punishment of Karet (spiritual excision).

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash (5:1-3), the Rambam codifies this mitzvah, emphasizing that washing is required:

  • Before performing any Avodah (Temple service)
  • Even if the Kohen had already immersed in a mikveh that day
  • Using water from the Kiyor specifically

Symbolic Meaning from Midrash

The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 11) teaches that this washing symbolizes purification from worldly matters before engaging in sacred service. Just as hands and feet are the body's primary instruments for action, their purification represents dedicating one's deeds to holiness.

Talmudic Insights

Zevachim 19b discusses the severity of neglecting this mitzvah, stating that service performed without washing is Pasul (invalid). The Gemara further explains that the Kiyor's placement between the Mishkan and Mizbe'ach served as a constant reminder of this requirement.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 19b
The verse is cited in the discussion about the requirement for priests to wash their hands and feet before performing service in the Tabernacle or Temple, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity as commanded by God.
📖 Yoma 30a
Referenced in the context of the High Priest's preparations on Yom Kippur, highlighting the washing rituals as part of the divine commandments given to Moses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the priests need to wash before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 30a), washing hands and feet before serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or approaching the altar was a mitzvah (commandment) to purify oneself and show reverence for holy service. The copper laver (kior) was placed between the Mishkan and the altar for this purpose (Exodus 30:18-21).
Q: Does this washing have any connection to Netilat Yadayim (hand washing) today?
A: Yes, the Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 4:2) connects this to our custom of washing hands before prayer. Just as the priests purified themselves before divine service, we wash our hands as a form of spiritual preparation before speaking to Hashem in prayer, though the halachic requirements are different.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse about approaching holy things?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Zuta) teaches that this teaches the importance of proper preparation before engaging in spiritual matters. Just as the priests couldn't approach holy service without washing, we should prepare ourselves properly before prayer, Torah study, or other mitzvot - both physically and mentally.
Q: Why does the verse emphasize 'as Hashem commanded Moshe'?
A: Rashi explains this emphasizes that the priests followed every detail exactly as commanded, teaching us the importance of performing mitzvot precisely according to halacha (Jewish law) without adding or subtracting. The Talmud (Eruvin 96a) derives from here that one who is meticulous in washing before prayer is considered as if they built an altar.